MEREGALLI TAKES AIM AT QUARTARARO AFTER ARAGON DISASTER

Fabio Quartararo’s relationship with Yamaha has taken another sharp turn after a difficult Aragon weekend, with team manager Massimo Meregalli openly addressing the situation and pointing to a comparison with Jack Miller.

In Aragon, Quartararo endured a personal low. In the MotoGP Sprint, his M1 suffered a dramatic failure when the engine blew in the fifth lap. On Sunday, the Frenchman finished last after crossing the line with more than 51 seconds to the winner, and even Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori was faster.

The results came on top of ongoing frustration from Quartararo, who has repeatedly spoken publicly about his concerns—particularly regarding Yamaha’s V4 project. After Aragon, he made clear he does not want to be used as a test resource for the future direction of the team. “I don’t want to develop the bike for the 2027 riders. I won’t be a test rider anymore, like I was doing this weekend,” Quartararo said. He added that he feels he cannot help and that, for personal reasons, he does not want to continue: “I’m not able to help. For personal reasons I also don’t want to.”

A key detail in the dispute is Yamaha’s decision around a Pirelli test scheduled for September 21, the day after the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Quartararo had shown interest in taking part in that test with the 850 prototypes, but Yamaha would not allow it. The reason given is that the test day is reserved for riders who will be competing for Yamaha in 2027.

Meregalli confirmed that approach when speaking to L’Equipe. “At the test, Razgatlioglu and most likely Guevara will ride, because they’ll be with us next year,” he said. He stressed that the same policy has been adopted across the grid: “All the manufacturers have made this decision. Martin and Ogura won’t test Aprilia, Bagnaia won’t test Ducati, Acosta won’t test KTM, and we won’t let Miller test our 850s.”

Meregalli also delivered a pointed remark aimed at Quartararo, using Miller as a contrast. “Fabio should take an example from Jack—he always gives everything and keeps our mood good even in difficult times,” he said. Miller is set to leave Yamaha’s MotoGP project at the end of 2026 and move to the Superbike World Championship.

With nine race weekends still remaining in the 2026 season, the end of Quartararo’s eight-year journey with Yamaha is approaching. After Aragon, the gap between rider and team appears wider, and the prospect of a resolution now looks unlikely.